Prepare for R2B Summit and Sessions

Participation in R2B Sessions

What are R2B Sessions?

• A meeting format within the R2B Summit that provides a limited number of research project representatives the opportunity to present and discuss their research with specially invited participants who hold leading positions or are responsible for innovation, research and development, at a company or other organisation. 
• The aim is to offer more than a typical presentation by creating space for dialogue and questions, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the research project and the conditions for its practical application. 
• The dialogue format creates opportunities to receive valuable feedback and answers to questions from potential or prospective target groups or partners. For example, you can gain a clearer understanding of the needs and challenges of the business sector, as well as valuable contacts.

How does it work in practice?

• During the R2B Summit, several parallel sessions are conducted, each lasting one hour. You will present your research multiple times throughout the day, in the same room. 
• Time and focus are equally distributed among approximately 5-6 participating research projects within the allocated meeting time. The number of participating company representatives varies (up to about 25) but all are interested in learning more about the research presented in a particular session.
• Meeting facilitators are available to provide practical support. They help keep track of time, manage the discussion, and moderate questions.

Your task

Prepare and deliver a sharp pitch. Explaining and presenting research results to audiences outside academia requires extra care and thought.

How do you convey your research so that even a non-expert can understand? If the goal is to ensure that research results are put to practical use, the key messages and value of the research must also be clear and comprehensible to those without the same level of knowledge.

Regardless of how experienced you are at presenting in a popular science format, we emphasise that the key to a successful meeting, dialogue, and exchange on this day depends on clear communication about the practical benefits of the research results.

Make sure you are well-prepared to answer questions and feel free to bring questions you would like answered.

Framework for your pitch

Your pitch should be a maximum of 3 minutes and tailored to generate interest in collaboration on the development of innovation and business. That is, present from a perspective that describes application, problem-solving, intended recipients, and the business and innovation potential.

Introduce yourself with:

• Name and any title, and your role
• Name of the research project
• Affiliation or institution of the research

The pitch should answer:

• What is the problem? (in the broader context)
• What is the solution to the problem? (the unique aspect of your solution)
• Why should I care? (the benefit for the users)
• What are you looking for? (collaborators, mentors, etc.) Note: not funding
• How to contact you?

Pitch like a pro

Need tips and advice on how to best present your research in a short time? Anders Sahlman, research communicator and presentation coach, shares some valuable tips in the video.

What language should I present in?

R2B Summit and Sessions are mainly conducted in Swedish, but you can present in English if you prefer. 

May I use visual or video material as support?

You have the option to use visual materials such as PowerPoint or video if you believe it adds value to your presentation. Please use the 16:9 format and fonts from Microsoft Office. The material will be displayed using the equipment available in the room where you will be presenting.

Make a short video of your pitch to attract participants

You have the opportunity to submit a short pitch video. The video and information about your research project will be made available to all participants via our event app.

Some good advice

• Preparation is key - invest time and energy into it. 
• Seek coaching, pitch training and support with your preparations, for example from innovation support organisations. We recommend contacting them well in advance of the meeting to optimise your presentation.
• Test your presentation, preferably on people who do not work in your field. Ask them to recount the presentation to you. This will give you an indication of how much they have understood and allow you to adjust your presentation accordingly.